Summary
- Bonaventure Country Club
- Peace Mound Park
- Color Me Mine
- Young at Art Museum
- Everglades Holiday Park
- Yellow Green Farmers Market
- Cycle Party Fort Lauderdale
- Brian Piccolo Park
- Oleta River State Park
- Fort Lauderdale Beach Park
- Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
- Las Olas Boulevard
- Museum of Discovery and Science
- Flamingo Gardens
Situated in the western region of South Florida’s Broward County, the community of Weston was established in the mid-1990s and shares its western border with the Everglades.
With a median family income exceeding three times the national average, Weston is renowned for its exclusivity, yet it remains surprisingly affordable compared to other areas in Florida.
This locale serves as an ideal retreat for individuals seeking to circumvent the bustling urban environment and tourism common to Miami and Fort Lauderdale, while still maintaining convenient access to many of the state’s most sought-after attractions.
Outlined below are 15 noteworthy activities to engage in around Weston, Florida.
1. Bonaventure Country Club
With over 1,000 golf courses, Florida is a preferred winter getaway for golf enthusiasts across the nation. The Weston area offers a diverse selection, ranging from economical public courses to elite private venues.
The Bonaventure Country Club features a traditional 18-hole course, characterized by expansive, palm-fringed fairways and numerous water hazards, including a waterfall situated at the third hole.
Occupying the grounds of the Bonaventure Resort and Spa, amenities here include a comprehensive restaurant, convention space, and accommodations with a large number of rooms.
If you aim to play during peak seasons in spring and fall, it is advisable to contact the facility in advance for tee time reservations.
2. Peace Mound Park
Encompassing nearly ten acres, Peace Mound Park features a picturesque lake and well-maintained walking trails, ideal for a tranquil morning stroll or an afternoon of birdwatching.
Throughout the park and along the pathways, informative plaques provide insight into the history of the Tequesta Native Americans who inhabited the area long before European explorers settled it.
The park also includes a playground for children, a bridge that crosses a stream, and well-maintained restroom facilities.
The park welcomes visitors free of charge and is open daily, regardless of weather conditions.
3. Color Me Mine
Situated on West State Road in nearby Davie, Color Me Mine provides a variety of artistic activities including summer camps, birthday celebrations, and educational trips, catering to both children and adults.
The philosophy behind Color Me Mine is to inspire individuals to unleash their creativity, regardless of their previous artistic experience, by providing the necessary tools and a supportive atmosphere.
Participants can personalize ceramic items such as bowls, plates, and vases. At the conclusion of the experience, each guest will possess a unique keepsake to commemorate their visit.
4. Young at Art Museum
Established over thirty years ago, the Young at Art Museum located on SW 121st Avenue in Davie was created with the belief that artistic expression and creativity are vital components of a child’s growth.
The museum offers various hands-on activities that promote exploration rather than mere observation, featuring interactive exhibits and programs led by knowledgeable staff that cover fields such as performing arts, sculpture, painting, and more.
The Young at Art Museum is frequently cited as one of the most memorable destinations for children visiting Florida, as it effectively engages, entertains, and educates simultaneously.
5. Everglades Holiday Park
The Florida Everglades represent one of the nation’s most extraordinary natural environments. In addition to its breathtaking scenery and vast wildlife, the area provides numerous recreational opportunities.
Covering nearly 30 acres near Fort Lauderdale, Everglades Holiday Park is commonly referred to as ‘The Gateway to the Everglades,’ and is particularly famous for its guided airboat excursions.
The park also offers a selection of educational programs suitable for all ages, making it an excellent destination for families. Anglers can find the park’s waters abundant with notable largemouth bass.
6. Yellow Green Farmers Market
With its abundant year-round sunshine along with tropical and subtropical climates, Florida ranks among the foremost producers of fresh fruits and vegetables in the country. For visitors in the Weston area, the Yellow Green Farmers Market stands out as an exceptional location to explore this bounty.
As the largest farmers market in South Florida, it encompasses several hundred vendors spread out over a vast area.
Operational on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year, in addition to fresh seasonal produce, the market features arts and crafts, health and wellness products, and various prepared foods such as honey, pasta sauce, and fresh orange juice.
7. Cycle Party Fort Lauderdale
While the combination of alcoholic beverages and bicycles often leads to accidents, participants of Cycle Party Fort Lauderdale can engage without such worries.
This service offers a variety of tour packages in West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale, catering to food enthusiasts, history aficionados, and those with an appreciation for art and architecture.
Available daily, the bikes can accommodate up to 15 participants, thus making them a fantastic option for special events like birthdays, wedding receptions, and family gatherings.
For a comprehensive list of tours and details, consider visiting their website.
8. Brian Piccolo Park
Named in honor of a distinguished collegiate and professional football player from South Florida, Brian Piccolo Park, located in Cooper City, spans nearly 200 acres of recreational space. It has welcomed the public for over 30 years.
The park features a skate park, basketball courts, and soccer fields, making it the focal point for cricket enthusiasts in South Florida. Attending a cricket match if one coincides with your visit can provide quite an enriching experience.
Furthermore, the park offers a cycling track unique to the area, making it a prime destination for a few hours of enjoyment.
9. Oleta River State Park
Situated mere minutes from Weston and Miami, Oleta River State Park boasts hardwood forests, mangroves, and over a dozen miles of mountain biking trails that create an illusion of remote wilderness.
Covering more than 1,000 acres, it ranks as the largest and most varied urban park of its type within the state.
Fishing, biking, and paddle-boarding are prevalent activities, and there are undeveloped campgrounds and cabins available for rent for those wishing to extend their stay overnight.
Note that all anglers will require a Florida fishing license, irrespective of whether they are residents or visitors.
10. Fort Lauderdale Beach Park
Many vacationers in Florida prioritize beach activities.
With expansive stretches of sandy beaches and magnificent ocean views, the areas of Fort Lauderdale and Weston attract sunbathers and surfers from afar; an abundance of beaches offers varied recreational opportunities beyond swimming and soaking up the sun.
Fort Lauderdale Beach Park includes facilities such as basketball and volleyball courts, showers, restrooms, and a playground suited for younger visitors.
Parking incurs a reasonable fee, and rental options for lounge chairs and sun umbrellas are also provided.
Due to its proximity to numerous Hotels, the beach can become crowded; therefore, visiting during the morning or on weekdays may provide a more serene experience.
11. Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Open daily except Mondays, Bonnet House Museum and Gardens offers an excellent alternative to those looking to escape the sun, sand, and surf.
Nearly a century ago, a wealthy individual gifted the Bonnet House to his daughter and her husband as a wedding present. Tragically, the young woman passed away unexpectedly a few years after. The estate has undergone multiple renovations and was entrusted to the state for preservation during the 1980s.
The villa and gardens are open for public viewing, and tours are conducted exclusively in guided formats.
12. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Located adjacent to the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Canoeing and kayaking along the park’s waterways are favored activities. For biking aficionados, paved and unpaved trails traverse a range of diverse environments.
A tunnel provides access to the nearby beach, and the park welcomes guests daily from 8 AM until sunset.
Entrance fees are minimal and require payment on a per-vehicle basis.
13. Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard is a vibrant area filled with chic restaurants, internationally recognized art galleries, and a variety of shops and eateries, making it one of the city’s most diverse and frequented locales.
While it may not be the best choice for budget-conscious travelers, its proximity to numerous attractions renders it worth a visit.
A range of guided tours are available, although ample public and private parking options are also accessible for those who prefer to explore independently. Public transportation options may provide additional convenient access for city residents.
14. Museum of Discovery and Science
With a World War II flight simulator, a spacious IMAX theater, and a dinosaur graveyard filled with fossils, the Museum of Discovery and Science consistently captivates families for extended periods.
The museum strikes a commendable balance between education and enjoyment, making it especially popular among families with active children.
While the admission price is relatively reasonable, be aware that some activities may be subject to additional fees beyond general entry.
A café and gift shop are located on-site, alongside ample parking facilities nearby.
15. Flamingo Gardens
For nearly a century, Flamingo Gardens has been enchanting visitors with its 60 tropical acres, serving as a tranquil retreat in the urban core of the Sunshine State.
With an extensive variety of cultivated gardens encompassing thousands of species of both native and non-native plants, trees, and flowers, this arboretum stands out as one of the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the state. Additionally, the wildlife sanctuary within the grounds shelters numerous native animals.
It is challenging to find a more valuable opportunity for gaining insights into the natural environment and historical context that defines South Florida as a unique destination.